Glasgow 2026 Ltd information: FOI release

Information requested

Funding, discussions with other governments and about a TV deal, as well as communications with Glasgow 2026 Ltd.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information your requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under sections: S.25(1) - Otherwise accessible, S.30(b)(i) - Substantial inhibition to free and frank provision of advice, S.30(b)(ii) - Substantial inhibition to free and frank exchange of views, S.29(1)(a) Policy development, S.30(c) - Substantial prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs, S.33(1)(b) - Substantial prejudice to commercial interests, S.36.(1) - Claim to confidentiality of communications, S.38(1)(b) - Third party personal data of FOISA applies to that information.

Some of the information you have requested is available online at: Story of Change | Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. Information is exempt under section 29(1)(a) if It relates to the formulation or development of government policy.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release in the interests of open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining a safe space for officials to have honest discussions about new policy and different policy options, and to assess potential impacts before submitting advice to Ministers for decision. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

An exemption under section S.30(b)(i) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release in the interests of open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in allowing officials to maintain a protected space to provide honest and robust advice to Ministers, which can be based on private and/or sensitive information provided by stakeholders.

An exemption under section S.30(b)(ii) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release in the interests of open and transparent government. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing Ministers and officials a private space within which to explore different policy options and refine advice for senior officials and Ministers. This private thinking space is essential to enable all options to be properly considered and decisions can be taken.

An exemption under section S.30(c) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested because disclosure would, or would be likely to, substantially prejudice the effectiveness to conduct of public affairs.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government. However, there is a greater public interest in protecting the login details of online meetings to ensure that the Scottish Government is able conduct online meetings in a secure manner.

An exemption under section 33(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested because disclosure would or would be likely to prejudice substantially the commercial interests of any person. “Person” includes public authority, company or partnership.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because interests lie in open and transparent Government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in withholding elements of the release that would cause substantial prejudice to commercial interests in hosting the Commonwealth Games or other Major Events.

An exemption under section 36.(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested because it is information in respect of which a claim to confidentiality of communications could be maintained in legal proceedings (for example, if information is “legal privileged”).

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because interests lie in open and transparent Government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in withholding the information as being subject to legal professional privilege.

An exemption(s) under section(s) Section 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. In this instance a small amount of information, i.e. names of junior Scottish Government officials and employees of other organisations, have been redacted from the report.

This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202600500303 - Information released - Documents

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